Epigenetic reprogramming during oogenesis: unravelling the link with oocyte developmental competence and with offspring health
Custom Labelled Veld 1
MSCA-19-Anckaert01
Custom Labelled Veld 2
Beschrijving van het project
During oogenesis, an extensive epigenetic reprogramming occurs. This process is of major importance, as oocyte methylation can affect gene expression after fertilization. Furthermore, maternal-effect products are stored in the oocyte, which are necessary for epigenetic reprogramming after fertilization and hence for embryo and trophoblast development. There is increasing awareness that adverse conditions during folliculogenesis and oogenesis may affect fertility, oocyte developmental capacity and the health of the offspring through an alteration of epigenetic reprogramming. Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI) has developed standardized in vitro follicle and oocyte culture systems (in the mouse model) generating mature oocytes with the capacity to develop into live offspring. Moreover, FOBI has defined a series of epigenetic markers for oocyte and embryo quality. These bioassays provide unique possibilities to study the effects of adverse nutritional or metabolic conditions (such as diabetes) during folliculogenesis and oogenesis on fertility and adult offspring health. This model can also be used to test the safety of in vitro growth systems and of culture media for oocytes and follicles. The close collaboration with the fertility clinic of UZ Brussel allows FOBI to have access to human follicles and oocytes for translation of the in vitro mouse research to relevant pathologies in human.
Custom Labelled Veld 4
FOBI Research Group
The FOBI lab investigates the design and validation of new culture systems for ovarian follicles and unripe egg cells.
We therefore aim to establish practical, applicable strategies for fertility clinics.
We conduct fundamental research into in-vitro culture systems for ovarian follicles and egg cells and fundamental mechanistic research into the effects of xenobiotic substances upon in-vitro egg cell development.
We also conduct fundamental and pre-clinical research into in-vitro maturation of unripe egg cells from small antral follicles.
Our clinical activities entail the cryopreservation of gonadal tissue for female patients to avoid sterility, or in other words, preservation of fertility during cancer treatment, and in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from small follicles.